Substituted azacycloalkanes and process of producing them



United States Patent Ofice 2,775,589 Patented Dec. 25, 1956 SUBSTITUTED AZACYCLOALKANES AND PROCESS OF PRODUCING THEM Julius Diamond, Philadelphia, and William F. Bruce, Havertown, Pa., assignors to American Home Products Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware No Drawing. Application June 28, 1955, Serial No. 518,651

7 Claims. (Cl. 260239) This invention relates to cyclic compounds and more particularly involves azacycloalkanes and the method for preparing them.

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Serial No. 403,448, filed January 11, 1954, which, in turn, is a continuation-in-part of application Serial No. 297,185, filed July 3, 1952.

In accordance with one method for making the compounds of the invention as disclosed in our application Serial No. 403,448, the preparation of the compounds involves as a first step the alkylation of a 2-a1'yl-4-dialkylamino butyronitrile with a polymethylene sulfonic acid ester or halide having 3 to 8 methylene groups, this reaction being carried out in the presence of a reagent capable of displacing an active hydrogen. Following the alkylation reaction, the product obtained is cyclized, utilizing a highly polar solvent. produced is then partially split or decomposed and, as a final procedure, the compound so treated is hydrolyzed and then esterified to prepare the carbalkoxy compound, or the cyanoazacycloalkane is either reacted with an alkyl Grignard or alkyl-lithium and then hydrolyzed to form an acyl azacycloalkane or is decyanated and the resulting azacycloalkane acyloxylated.

The starting compound, in accordance with the first method, is alkylated with the selected polymethylene compound in the presence of a reagent capable of displacing an active hydrogen, preferably an alkali metal amide such as sodium, potassium or lithium amide although phenyl-sodium, phenyl-lithium or butyl-lithium are also operable. The reaction is carried out in the presence of a solvent which may be either ethyl ether or an aromatic hydrocarbon such as benzene, toluene or xylene. Substantially anhydrous conditions should be utilized for best results and, While not necessary, an inert atmosphere, such as nitrogen gas, is desirable for the reaction. The reaction goes easily at ordinary temperatures, and, although room temperature or a temperature from about 10 to 35 C. is preferred, one may operate in'the broader range from about l C. to about 50 C.

The aryl-tertiary-amino-halocaproic or higher fatty acid nitrile produced in the first step is heated in the presence of a highly polar organic compound having a relatively high dielectric constant or dipole moment. A cyclization of the aminohaloalkane takes place resulting in the formation of a cyclic quaternary ammonium compound. The temperature of reaction may range from about 70 to about 120 C., a preferred temperature being in the neighborhood of 100 C.

The preferred procedure for carrying out this type of cyclization reaction comprises solubilizing the aminonitrile in the polar solvent to form a solution ranging from about 0.1-5.0 moles per liter and heating the mixture until no more salt precipitates out. If desired, one may use in addition to the polar solvent any solvent which will make the reaction product less soluble therein. Thus, hydrocarbon solvents such as heptane, benzene,

The cyclic compound toluene, xylene, etc., have been found suitable in admixture with the polar solvent. While the preferred dilution in the solvent is approximately 1.0 mole per liter or the range as stated above, one may obtain satisfactory results with a dilution as high as .01 molar or in this neighborhood. While it has been indicated that the proper concentration of alkylation product in the solvent or solvents may merely be made up and heated, one may also carry out the reaction by heating the solvent and admitting the alkylation product thereto in small amounts. It has been found that in high concentrations, such as about 5.0 moles or greater, the reaction yields are excellent but the quality of product is poor, whereas in the low concentrations, such as .001 molar or lower, while the quality of product is good, the yields are so low as to make the process uneconomic.

The polar solvent selected has been found to be an important factor in the above-described cyclization process. Highly polar solvents were discovered to give very satisfactory results, such solvents having a dipole moment under standard conditions (20 C.) of about 2.5 debye units to about 4.5 debye units or somewhat less. The dielectric constant should have a value (epsilon) above 10 and preferably from about 15 to 40 when measured under standard conditions. The solvent selected should also have a boiling point above about 70 C.

To prepare the novel azacycloalkanes from the quaternary salt, the latter is decomposed to remove alkyl halide. This decomposition reaction is carried out by heating the quaternary in the range of about 200 to about 250 C. If desired, an inert organic solvent may be used, such solvent being selected With a boiling range Within the reactive temperature range noted and under refluxing conditions. Tetralin, nitrobenzene, and especially the higher alcohols have been found effective. In the case of tetralin, the quaternary is insoluble therein but, as the reaction proceeds, the azacycloalkane goes into solution. On the other hand, the alcohols mentioned are at least partial solvents for the quaternary salt as well as the reaction product.

When the azacycloalkane reaction product stays in solution in the solvent, it may be removed by a solvent extraction procedure. For this step, the reaction mixture is extracted with a concentrated mineral acid in aqueous solution which is separated and washed. The washed extract is now made alkaline and is then solvent extracted, using ether or other solvent in which the free base is soluble. The latter may then be isolated by distilling olf the solvent,

On obtaining the cyano-azacycloalkane, it is decyanated in one procedure by heating the cyclic cyano compound with an alkali-metal amide such as sodium, potassium or lithium amide in the presence of an inert organic solvent of the aliphatic type such as hexane or higher, or of the benzenoid type such as benzene, toluene or xylene. The reaction will take place in the range of about 50 to about 150 C. A preferable temperature range of operation is in the neighborhood of to C.

Another procedure for preparing the decyanated azacycloalkanes involves hydrolyzing the corresponding cyano compound to form the 4-amidosazacycloalkane, and then reacting the latter compound with an alkali metal hydroxide which forms first the carboxylic acid salt of the alkali metal followed by a decarboxylation to the desired compound. This stepwise procedure is carried out first about C. for the formation of the amide, with the temperature being raised in the neighborhood of about 250 C. for the final steps. If only the decyanated product is sought, with no desire to separate out the carbamido or the carboxylic acid intermediate compounds, the reaction may be carried out by tained in the neighborhoodof about 100 C.

An acyloxy product may also be obtained by reacting the 4-amido-azacycloalkane prepared as described earlier with alkali-metal hypobrornite (prepared by reacting an aqueous alkali-metal hydroxide with bromine) forming the Corresponding '4-amino-azacyclo alkane. The latter is dissolved in' an aqueous solutionof acetic acid and sodium nitrite is added. After reaction, the product is vasified to obtain the alcohol. The 4-hydroxy azacycloalkane may then be reacted with acetic or propionic anhydride to form the acyloxy product.

A still further procedure forir'naking desired compounds involves a series of known reactions, starting with the preparation of 'N (2 cyanoethyl) N '(omega-cyanoalkanfe'hnethylamine. This product is then cyclized using lithium Nethylariilide to'form lithio derivatives of-4-imino az'acycloalkanes and the latter are then treated with strong sulfuric acid to change the imine group 'to a carbonyl oxygen. The compound thus formed is reacted with phenyl lithium to form the same alcohol as prepared by the 4-amido route, namely, 4-phenyl 4-hydroxy-N-lower alkyl azacycloalkane. As before, this compound 'is reacted with a fatty acid anhydride to form the corresponding 4-acyloxy compound.

'A preferred procedure for preparing acyloxy azacycloalkanes because of improved yields of desired product willnow be described, starting with an illustration of the reaction steps:

In the above formulae, R is intended to represent a lower alkyl, R1 standing for a lower alkyl, alkenyl or aralkyl radical with R2, R3 and'Rs-each representing hydrogen or lower alkyl and R4 standing for a lower alkyl, alk'enyl, aryl or aralkyl radical.

The designation X is intended to represent a halogen such as chlorine, bromine or iodine or OSO2O-lower alkyl while Z is a methylene radical and'nfrepresents the integer 2 or 3. it is contemplated that (Z)7L could represent a straight or branched-chain lower alkylene group, i. e. -CH2CH2 or CH2CHR-.

The designation Ar, standing for an aryl radical is intended to present either phenyl or the phenyl radical having 1 to 3 substituents such as lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, halogen, nitro, hydroxy, lower aliphatic-aryl, lower acyloxy, amino and monoand di-lower 'alkylamino radicals. 1

Reaction (1) is carried out with such acid binding agents as K2CO3, NazcOa or CaCOs in a high boiling ether or alcohol as for example di-n-butyl ether, diisopropyl ether or n-butanol at a temperature in the range of about to about 150 C. This reaction produces an omega, omega-ester-nitrile which is to be utilized in a self-condensing reaction, forming an azacycloalkane.

Reaction (2) is a novel cycli'zation step, whereby the omega, omega-ester-nitrile is cyclized in the presence of an alkaline catalyst dissolved in a hydrocarbon catalyst as for example toluene, xylene, tetralin or decalin. Preferred catalysts are the alkali-metal alcoholates as 'for example NaOCHs, NaOCzHs or alkali metal hydrides such as NaH. The cyclizing reaction is carried out at a temperature in the range of about to about 150 C. The use of an ester-nitrile instead of a di-ester or di-nitrile results in substantially improved yields of cyclized products.

The decyanation of the azacycloalkanone according to reaction (3) is preferably accomplished via an acid hydrolysis utilizing for example HCl, HBr, HI, H280 or H3PO4 in water and operating at a temperature in the range of about 70 to about C.

If desired, this decyanation step may also be carried out via an alkaline hydrolysis as disclosed previously in the 'firs't process, operating under the conditions as hereinabove described. h I

The arylation and alcohol forming' step is accomplished in reaction (4) by treating the decyanated az'acycloalkanone with'the desired aryl as an aryl alkali-metal, e. g., aryl-Li o'r aryl-Na or, in lieu thereof, utilizing an aryl magnesium halide as, for example, Cal-IsMgBr. The

arylating agent is dissolved in an ether-hydrocarbon mix-- ture as, for example, diethyl-ether with benzene. The reaction'is carried out at an initial temperature range of about 35 to about +10 C. followed by a brief heating period at about +35 to +80 C.

Reaction (5), to produce the acyloxy azacycloalkane,

utilizes an acid anhydride as, for'example (C2H5CO)2O.

or an acid halide,'e. g.,:C2H5COC1, together with an acid binding agent such as pyridine in ether or hydrocarbon solvent such as benzene or, a mixture of solvents. The reaction is started in the temperature range of about 20 C. to +20 C. and it is followed by a brief heatin period in the range of about +35 to +80 C.

The specific examples illustrate in greater detail meth ods for obtaining typical compounds of the invention.

EXAMPLE 1 I -dimethylaininc-3-cyano-3-phenyl-fi-bromohexane 0.35 mole (65.8 gms.) of 2-phenyl-4-dimethylaminobutyronitrile in 350cc. of absolute ether was dripped into a stirred suspension of 0.45 mole (17.5 gms.) of sodamide in 350 .cc.. of absol'ute ether during one hour, keeping the reaction mixture under a dry nitrogen atmosroom temperature and then one hour at reflux temperature. The mixture was diluted with 250 cc. of absolute ether, cooled in an ice bath, then, while stirring, a solution of a 0.37 r'nole(74.7 gms.) of trimethylene bromide in 250 cc. of absolute ether added at once. suspension continued to be stirred at ice-bath temperature for one hour, then at room temperature for one hour,

and finally at reflux temperature for three hours. The mixture was cooled, and the sodium bromide,'which had precipitated in quantitative yield, was filtered off and v washed with ether. The light yellow ethereal filtrate contained the product. This compound could be stored for some timein a hydrocarbon solvent, e. g., n-heptane,

at +5 C. V V

In-place ofthe butyro'nitrile used in the'above procedure, one may start with other a-arylated tertiary-'yaminobutyronitriles such as 2-(m-anisyl)-4-dimethylaminobutyronitrile, 2-(0 7 a'nisyl) -4-dimethylaminobutyronitrile, Z-(m-nitrophenyl)-4-dimethylaminobutyronitrile. 2-

Thefmixturewas'stirred an additional hour at V The yellow benzhydry1-4-dimethylamino-3 methylbutyronitrile, 2-(5- naphthyl)-4 dimethylamino-4-methylbutyronitrile, 2-(p- 'tolyl)-4-diethylaminobutyronitrile, 2-plienyl-4-methylethylaminobutyronitrile, 2 (p chlorophenyl)-4-di-n-butylaminobutyronitrile.

As a substitute for the halide in the above procedure, one may use trimethylene-1,3-chlorobromide, trimethylene-l,3-dichloride, trimethylene 1,3 bromoiodide, trimethylene 1,3-diiodide, 1,3-di-p-tosyloxy propane, 1- chloro-l,3-p-toxyloxy propane and l-bromo-3-methane sulfoxy propane. The reaction takes place without difiiculty, one merely keeping the molar proportions the same in all cases.

4-phenyZ-4-cyan0-N-methyl azacycloheptane meth0br0- mide A 0.1 M nitrobenzene solution of 1-dimethylamino-3- cyano-3-phenyl-6-bromohexane was kept at 100 C. for 'one hour whereby the quaternary salt precipitated out; M. P. 246-247 C. M01. wt. theory=309; mol. wt. -found=305.

Analysis.Calc. for C15H21N2Br: Br=25.83; C=58.30; H=6.84; N=9.06. Found: Br=25.25; C=58.36; H: 7.04; N=8.86.

In place of nitrobenzene, other highly polar solvents may be used as, for example, ortho-nitrotoluene, benzonitrile, Z-nitropropane or ketones, such as methylisobutyl ketone, diisopropyl ketone, acetophenone, etc.

Alternative preparation via the methochloride I-dimethylamin0-3-cyano-3-phenyl-6-chlorohexane 1.05 moles (197.4 gms.) of 2-phenyl-4-dimethylamino outyronitrile in 0.5 l. absolute ether was added to a stirred suspension of 1.25 moles (5.25 gms.) of sodamide in 0.5 l. absolute ether at such a rate as to allow gentle refluxing of the ether. The system was kept under a dry nitrogen atmosphere. After the addition the refluxing was continued an additional two hours. The mixture was cooled at +2 C., then, to the stirred mixture was added 1.11 moles (174.3 gms.) of trimethylene chlorobromide in 0.2 l. absolute ether at such a rate as to keep the temperature below C. At the end of the addition the mixture continued to be stirred one-half hour in an ice-bath. Then 2 hours at room temperature and finally allowed to stand overnight. The precipitated inorganic salts were filtered off. The ethereal filtrate contained the product.

4-phenyl-4-cyan0-N-methyl azacycloheptane methochloride The ether in the filtrate obtained above was distilled ofi under reduced pressure well below room temperature and an amount of o-nitrotoluene was added to the liquid residue to make up a 1.0 M solution. The solution was kept at 100 C. for hours. The precipitated quaternary salt was filtered off, washed with acetone, and dried. The yield was 80% of theory. The pure methochloride melts at 2656 C. with decomposition. Methyl chloride was split out by the same method used to split out methyl bromide from the quaternary methobromide compound. Using undecanol an 86% yield of the tertiary amine was obtained in either case.

4-ph enyl-4-cyano-N-methyl azacycloheptane 0.02 mole (6.2 gms.) of the methobromide quaternary salt was suspended in 150 cc. of tetralin. While vigorously stirring, the mixture was heated to its reflux temperature, whereupon the solid began to disintegrate and go into solution. The stirring and refluxing was continued for one hour, then the mixture cooled, water added, and the layers separated. The tetralin solution was extracted with 3M-aqueous hydrochloric acid, the acid ex- 6 amine, B. P. 119-121 C./0.25 mm., 'n =1.5341, d =1.030, M (calc.)=64.76, M (obs.)=64.66.

Analysis.-Calc. for CigHisNZ: C=78.42, H=8.46, N: 13.07. Found: C=78.35; H=8.98;.N=12.74.

Picrate, M. P. 173-175 Q/acetonermethanol.

Analysis.CalC. for C20H210'1N5: (1:54.20, H=4.77, N=15.80. Found: C=54.18, H=5.19, N= 15.41.

The above process may also be carried out with alcohols boiling between about 200 and 250 C. in place of tetralin. Alcohols such as 'n-decyl alcohol, trimethyl nonyl alcohol and 5-ethyl-2-nonyl alcohol are examples. The following procedure utilizes one of such alcohols.

6.2 gms. (0.02 mole) of 4-phenyl-4-cyano-N-methyl azacycloheptane methobromide was suspended in cc. of S-ethyl nonanol-Z. While stirring vigorously the mixture was brought to reflux (225 C.) when the solid began to dissolve and the evolution of methyl bromide gas began. The refluxing and stirring was continued 3 hours, then the mixture was cooled, extracted with 3-N-aqueous hydrochloric acid, the acid extract washed with ether, then basified with 25% aqueous sodium hydroxide, and extracted with ether. The ether extract was dried over anhydrous potassium carbonate, filtered and distilled. The tertiary amine came over at 132-136 C./0.35 mm.; picrate, M. P. 174-175 C.

1-methyl-4-phenyl-azacycloheptane and salts thereof A mixture of 0.05 mole (10.7 g.) 4-cyano-1-methyl-4- phenylazacycloheptane and 0.11 mole (4.3 g.) sodamide in 100 ml. of toluene is refluxed while stirring for 6 hours. The cooled mixture is washed with water, then the toluene layer extracted with acid, the acid extract Washed with ether, treated with sodium hydroxide and the reaction product extracted with ether. The ether extract is dried, filtered, and distilled. The product, 1-methyl-4- phenyl-azacycloheptane is collected at 88-90" C. (0.25 mm.); 11 1.5288. 7

Analysis.Calcd. for C13H19N: C, 82.47; H, 10.12; N, 7.40. Found: C, 82.20; H, 10.41; N, 7.51.

The picrate, M. P. 149-150 C., is prepared in methanol. I

Analysis.Calcd. for C19H22N4O7: C, 54.55; H, 5.30; N, 13.38. Found: C, 54.52; H, 5.03; N, 13.20.

To form the hydrochloric acid-addition salt, 0.1 mole (3.6 g.) of hydrogen chloride gas is passed into 50 ml. of a cold 1:1 ether-acetone solution containing 0.1 mole (18.9 g.) of the base. The precipitated hydrochloride is filtered off and washed with ether. It could be further purified by recrystallization from methyl ethyl ketone to give a fine white solid, M. P. 7879 C.

To form a quaternary ammonium compound, 0.1 mole (14.2 g.) of methyl iodide is added slowly to a cold acetone solution containing 0.1 mole 18.9 g.) of the base. The mixture is kept at 25 C. for 3 hours, then the precipitated white solid filtered off and washed with acetone; the product, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-azacycloheptane methiodide, had a melting point of 146l47 C.

Another quaternary ammonium'compound is formed when 0.1 mole (17.0 g.) of isopropyl iodide is added to an other solution containing 0.1 mole (18.9 g.) of the base and the mixture allowed to stand at room temperature for 2 days. tered and washed with ether; the product, 1-methyl-4- phenyl-azacycloheptane isopropiodide, had a melting point of 166-169 C.

It is obvious that other salts as well as quaternary ammonium compounds may be prepared by following the above procedures. Thus, besides the salts mentioned, one may prepare the corresponding salts by reacting the free base with hydrogen bromide, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid or other inorganic acids as well as the lower aliphatic acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, etc. With regard to other quaternarysalts, various alkyl halides may be used of the lower and higher The precipitated yellowish solid is filtype such as lauryl bromide or chloride Where a longchain alkyl group is desired on the base moiety.

1-2-dimethyl-4-phenyl-azacycloheptane and a salt thereof In thesame manner as taught in the preceding synthesis and starting with 0.05 mole (11.4 g.) of 4-cyano-1,2-dimethyl-4-phenylazacycloheptane, one may obtain the free base 1,2-dimethyl-4-phenyl-azacycloheptane, B. P. 106- 108 C. (0.2 mm.), 11 1.5255.

Analysis.-Calcd. for C14H21N: C, 82.65; H, 10.40; N, 6.88. Found: c, 82.25; H, 10.35; N, 6.66.

The picrate, M. P. 128-130 C., was prepared in methanolether.

Analysis.--Calcd. for C20H24N4Q7: C, 55.60; H, 5.59; N, 12.95. Found: C, 55.35; H, 5.58; N, 12.70.

1,3-dimethyl-4-phenyl-azacycloheptune and a salt thereof Proceeding similarly to the last synthesis and starting with 0.05 mole (11.4 g.) 4-cyano-1,3-dimethyl-4-phenylazacycloheptane, the product obtained is 1,3-dimethyl-4- phenylazacycloheptane, B. P. 98100 C. (0.25 mm.), n 1.5251.

An'alysis.-Calcd. for C14H21N: C, 82.65; H, 10.40; N, 6.88s Found: C, 82.06; H, 10.35; N, 6.60.

The methiodide, M. P. 184-190 C., was prepared in acetone.

Analysis.Calcd. for CH24NI: C, 52.20; H. 7.00; N, 4.06; I, 36.75. Found: C, 51.86; H, 7.14; N, 3.72; I, 36.4.

EXAMPLE 2 4-acet0xy-4-p-henyl-l-methylazacycl0heptane and salts thereof 0.30 mole of 4-phenyl-l-methylazacycloheptane is dissolved in 300 ml. of acetic acid. The temperature of the solution is raised to 80 C. While stirring mechanically 0.33 mole of lead tetraacetate is added portionwise so as to maintain the temperature at 80-85 C. Carbon dioxide and an aliphatic hydrocarbon gas are evolved. The temperature is maintained an additional half-hour, then the acetic acid is pumped off under reduced pressure. The cooled residue is treated with enough ice-cold sodium sulfate solution to precipitate all the lead as PbSO4. The filtrate is made alkaline with icecold sodium carbonate solution then extracted repeatedly with chloroform. The combined chloroform extracts are dried over anhydrous potassium carbonate, filtered, and the solvent distilled off. By distilling the residue under reduced pressure-there is obtained as forerun some unreacted starting material, B. P. 95-l00 C. (0.3 mm.) This is followed by a higher boiling fraction, B. P. 147152 C. (0.3 mm.), n 1.5279, containing the product.

The picrate, M. P. 183183.5 C. dec., is prepared in methanol-ether-and recrystallized from acetone-methanol.

Analysis.Calcd. for C21H24N4O9: C,52.95; H, 5.08. Found: C, 53.18; H, 5.36.

The methiodide, M. P. 218219 C. dec., is prepared in a mixture of acetone and ether.

Analysis.-Calcd. for C1sH24INO2: C, 49.37; H, 6.21; N, 3.60; I, 32.6. Found: C, 49.38; H, 6.54; N, 3.38; I, 32.6.

EXAMPLE 3 4 -acetoxy-4 -phenyl-1 ,Z-dimethylazacycloheptane Starting with 1,2-dimethyl-4-phenylazacycloheptane, the acetoxy group is introduced in an analogous manner to that described above. Fractional distillation of the residue gives as forerun some unreacted starting material, B. P. 95-100 C. (0.3 mm.). This is followed by a high boiling fraction, B. P. 138-148 C. (0.3 mm.), 11 1.5296, containing the product.

The methiodide, M. P. 60-65 C. dec., is prepared in ether and noted to be very hygroscopic.

EXAMPLE 4 41 0pion0xy-4-phenyl-I ,3-dimethylazacycloheptane 0.30 "mole of 4-ph'enyl-1,3-dimethylazacycloheptane is dissolved in 300 ml. propionic acid. At 80-85 C., 0.33 mole lead tetrapropi'onate is added portionwise while stirring. One half hour after addition is completed, the

propionic acid is pumped off under vacuum; The cooled residue is treated with enough ice-cold aqueous Na2SO4 solution to precipitate all the lead as PbSO4. The filtrate is made alkaline with ice-cold aqueous NazCOs, then extracted with CHCla. The chloroform extract is dried, filtered and concentrated. Vacuum distillation of the residue gives, after-a forerun of unreacted starting amine, the product as a high boiling liquid.

EXAMPLE 5 4 -zrce t0xy-4 -plzenyl-1 ,3 -dimeihylazacyl0heptane EXAMPLE 6 Synthesis of 4-phenyl-4-acetoxy-1-methylazacycl0heptane from N -(2-cyanoethyl -N-(3-cyanopr0pyl methylamine (Compound I) (a) PREPARATION OF CODIPOUND I A solution of 0.60 mole (61.8 g.) of 4-chlorobutyronitrile in 50 ml. of n-butanol was added dropwise, during 4 hours, to a stirred mixture of 0.66 mole (55.4 g.) of 3- methylaminopropionitrile, 0.90 mole (95.4 g.) of anhydrous scdium carbonate, and 0.03 mole (5 g.) of potassium iodide, heated to its reflux temperature.

The mixture was refluxed while stirring for an additional 13 hours. It was then cooled, and the inorganic salts filtered off and washed with ether. The filtrate and washings were combined and extracted with aqueous hydrochloric acid. The acid extract was washed with ether, basified by the addition of potassium carbonate, and extracted with ether. After drying the ether extract, over anhydrous potassium carbonate, it was filtered, and the filtrate distilled.

Compound I was obtained as a colorless liquid, B. P. 1'40 (0.4 mm.), n 1.4543,dd. 0.965.

Analysis.Calcd. for CaHrsNs: C, 63.53; H, 8.68; N, 27.79. Found: C, 63.14; H, 8.46; N, 27.90.

The picrate, M. P. 144-5 was formed in methanol and recrystallized from acetone-methanol.

Analysis.Calcd. for C14H16N607Z C, 44.2; H, 4.24; N, 22.1. Found: C, 44.5; H, 4.66; N, 22.0.

(b) l-METHYLAZACYCLOHEPTANONE-4 (COMPOUND III) A 0.6 M ethereal solution of lithium N-ethylanilide was prepared by reacting, under a nitrogen atmosphere, 0.6 g.-atom (4.2 g.) of lithium shot, 0.75 mole (90.8 g.) of N-ethylaniline, and 0.35 mole (44.8 g.) of naphthalene in 1 liter of anhydrous ether. The mixture was heated at its reflux temperature until all the lithium had dissolved and a clear yellow solution was obtained.

To the first solution was added, during 7 hours, a solutionof 0.20 mole (30.2 g.) of Compound I in 500ml. of anhydrous ether. The second solution was added through the condenser, while the first solution was being vigorous- Fractional distillation of the 9 1y stirred as it refluxed. A white precipitate was formed which consisted of a mixture of the lithio derivatives of 3 and S-cyano-4-imino-N-methyl-azacycloheptanes (Compounds Hu and Hb). The cooled mixture was filtered, and the precipitate washed with anhydrous ether.

The precipitate was added in small portions, at +5 to a solution of 136 ml. of 98% sulfuric acid and 105 ml. of water. The resulting solution was heated at 120l30 until no further evolution of carbon dioxide gas was detected (5 hours). After cooling the mixture, it was basified by the portionwise addition of solid sodium carbonate, and extracted with chloroform. The chloroform extract was dried over anhydrous potassium carbonate, filtered, and distilled.

Compound III was obtained as a colorless liquid, B. P. 115120 (45 mm.), n 1.4893, d4 0.963. The base darkened rapidly on standing.

The picrate, M. P. 17l2 dec., was formed in methanol and recrystallized from acetone-methanol.

Analysis.Calcd. for C1sH1sN4Os: C, 43.8; H, 4.53; N, 15.72. Found: C, 44.0; H, 4.55; N, 15.68.

(c) 4-PHENYL-4-ACETOX'Y-l-METHYLAZACYCLO- HEPIANE (COMPOUND V) A solution or" phenyl lithium was prepared, under a nitrogen atmosphere, from 0.15 g.-atom (l g.) of lithium shot and 0.08 mole (12.6 g.) of bromobenzene in 50 ml. of anhydrous ether. The solution was cooled to +5 and 0.0472 mole (6 g.) of Compound III in 50 ml. of benzene was added dropwise while stirring. After the addition was completed the mixture was heated at its reflux temperature for 2 hours. At this point 4-phenyl-4-hydroxy-l-methylazacycloheptane (Compound IV) was present as its lithio derivative.

The mixture was cooled again to +5", and 0.08 mole (8 ml.) of acetic anhydride in 25 m1. of benzene was added dropwise while stirring. It was then heated at its reflux temperature for 2 hours. The cooled mixture was extracted with dilute hydrochloric acid, the acid extract washed with ether, basified with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, and extracted with ether. The ether extract was dried over anhydrous potassium carbonate, filtered, and distilled.

Compound V was obtained as a pale yellow liquid, B. P. l20125 (0.3 mm.), n 1.5375.

The methiodide, M. P. 215217 dec., was formed in acetone. A mixture of the latter derivative with the methiodide (M. P. 218219 dec.) of the base prepared by Example 2 melted at 2l7-218 dec., thereby proving their identity. 7

EXAMPLE 7 Synthesis of 4-phenyl-4-acet0xy-1-methyl-azacyclaheptane fr m 4-phenyl-4-amin0-1-methylazacycloheptane (Compound VII) (a) PREPARATION OF COMPOUND VII A solution of sodium hypobrornite was prepared by adding 0.25 mole (40 g.) of bromine to 0.75 mole (30 g.) of sodium hydroxide in 250 ml. of water at +5".

To this solution 0.2 mole (50 g.) of 4-phenyl-4-carbamyl-l-methylazacycloheptane monohydrate (Compound VI) was added in one batch at +5 while stirring. The temperature of the mixture was allowed to rise spontaneously to 46 whereupon most of the solid dissolved. After heating the mixture :at 8590 for /2 hour, it was cooled, saturated with sodium carbonate, and extracted with chloroform. The chloroform solution was extracted with aqueous hydrochloric acid, the acid extract basified with sodium hydroxide solution, and extracted with chloroform. After drying the extract over anhydrous potassium carbonate, it was filtered, and distilled.

Compound VH was obtained as a pale yellow liquid, B. P. 'll2-l'l4 (0:3 mm.), 12. 1.5495, d4 1.02.

Analysis.-Calcd. for C13H20N2: C, 76.40; H, 9.83; N, 13.71. Found: C, 76.00; H, 9333; N, 1 3. 28.

. The monopicrate, M. I. 1 68-1169,- was formed in ether. 1

Analysis.Calcd. for C19H23N507: C, 52,63; H, 5.34; N, 16.25. Found: C, 52,84; H, 5.31; N, 16.56.

(b) 4-PHENYL-4-HYDROXY-l-METHYLAZACYCLO- HEPTANE (COMPOUND IV) Compound V H (0.075 rn'ole, 15.3 g.) was dissolved in an aqueous solution of acetic acid, prepared from 9 g. of glacial acetic acid and 75 ml. of water. A solution of 0.08 mole (5.5 g.) of sodium nitrite in 25ml. of water was added at once. No rise in temperature occurred, but a slow evolution of nitrogen gas was observed. The mixture was allowed to stand at room temperature [for /2 hour, then heated at for 2 hours. At this time, the evolution of gas was negligible. The cooled mixture was diluted with an equal volume of water and washed with ether. It was then basified with sodium hydroxide solution, extracted with ether, the ether extract dried over anhydrous potassium carbonate, filtered, and distilled.

After collecting 3.7 g. of an unidentified torerun, B. P. 102l06 (0.3 mm.), n 1.5532, 7 g. of a second fraction, B. P. 120122 (0.3 mm.) n 1.55 15, was obtained. Analysis of the latter material indicated that it was mainly Compound IV.

Analysis.Calod. for C13H19NO: C, 75.98; H, 9.3 2; N, 6.82. Found: .C, 75.59; H, 9.26; N, 7.29.

(c) 4-PHENYL-4-ACETOXY-l-METHYLAZACYCLO- HEPTANE (COMPOUND V) A solution containing 0.005 mole (l g.) of crude Oompound IV (aforementioned second fraction), 0.05 mole (5 g.) of acetic anhydride, and 1 drop of 37 N sulfuric acid in 60 ml. of benzene was heated at its reflux temperature for 3 hours. The mixture was cooled, extracted with aqueous hydrochloric acid, and the acid extract Washed with ether, basified with sodium hydroxide solution, and extracted with ether. After drying the ether extract over anyhdrous potassium carbonate, it was filtered, and concentrated. The liquid residue (crude Compound V) was taken up in acetone and methyl iodide added.

The methiodide, M. P. Z20-Z2Jl dec., of Compound V crystallized out. A mixture of this derivative with the methiodide of the base obtained by Example 2 melted at 220-22 1 dec., thereby establishing their identity.

EXAMPLE 8 Synthesis of 4-phenyl-4-pr0pion0xy-1,3-dimethylazacycloheptane N-'(2-carbomethoxypropyl) -N-(3-cyan0propyl) methylamine (Compound I) A mixture of 1.4 moles (187 g.) of methyl 3-methylamino-Z-methylpropionate, 1.4 moles (144 g.) of 4- chlorobutyronitrlle, and 1.6 moles (221 1g.) of anhydrous potassium carbonate in 350 ml. of di-nbutyl ether was heated at 111 5", while stirring, for 15 hours. After cooling the mixture, the inorganic salts were filtered off, and the filtrate extracted with aqueous hydrochloric acid. The :acid extract was washed with ether, basified with sodium hydroxide solution, and extracted with ether. The ether extract was dried over anhydrous potassium carbonate, filtered, and distilled.

The desired Compound I was obtained as a colorless liquid, B. P. 100-105 (0.25 mm.), n 1.4445.

Analysis.Ca'lcd. for CmHis N202: C, 60,60; H, 9.15; N, 14.15. Found: C, 60.55; H, 9.09; N, 14.09.

1,3-dimethylazacycl0heptan0ne-4 (Compound [11) A mixture of 0. 40 mole (79.3 g.) of Compound I and 0.42 mole (22.7 g.) of sodium methoxide in 115 liters of dry xylene was stirred under a nitrogen atmosphere While gradually raising the temperature. A mixture of methanol and xylene was slowly distilled ofi. Within 4 hours, 250 ml. of distillate was collected. This was replaced by an equal volume of dry xylene, and the 'slow distillation continued. The operation was repeated until the boiling point of pure xylene was attained. The'totaltime required to collect 750 ml. of distilled xylene was 12 hours. At this point, the'sodio'derivative of the "S-cyano- 1,34dimethyl azacyc1oheptauone-4 (Compound H) was suspended in the xylene as an orange-colored precipitate.

The cold mixture was extracted with 750 ml. of 1. 75 N hydrochloric acid. The acid extract gave a strong positive enol test with ferricchloride solution. An additional 250 ml. of 12 N hydrochloric acid was added, and the solution heated at its reflux temperature for 24 hours. Theevolution of carbon dioxide gas was vigorous at the beginning of the heating period, gradually subsided, and was negligible after 24 hours. At this point, the enol test with ferric chloride was negative. The cold solution was basified with 40% sodium hydroxide solution, and extracted with ether. The ether extract was dried over anhydrous potassium carbonate, filtered, and distilled.

The 1,*3-dimethylazacycloheptanone-4 (Compound III) was obtained as a pale yellow liquid, B. P. '1 10 (35 min), n 1.4656.

Analysis.Calcd. -for CsHmNO: C, 68,10; H, 10.70; N, 9.93. Found: c, 68.07; H, 10.45; N, 10.23.

The picrate, M. P. l92'l93 dec., was formed in hot methanol.

Analysis.Calcd. for C14H1sN4Oa: C, 45.40; H, 4.90; N, 15114. Found: C, 45,64; H, 4.92; N, 15.14.

The hydrochloride, M. P. 158- 160", was formed in ether.

Analysis-Calcd. for CaHrsOlNO: N, 7.84; C1, 1995. Found: N, 7.81; CI, |19.8.

4-ph en yl-4 -prpi0noxy-1 ,3-dimethylazacycl0h eptlme (Compound V) A solution of phenyl lithium was prepared, under a nitrogen atmosphere, from 0.667 g.-atom (4.6 g.) of lithium shot and 0.332 mole (5 2.0 g.) of bromo'benzene in 50 ml. of anhydrous ether. The solution was cooled to -20, and 0.10 mole 12.7 g.) of Compound III in 100 ml. of ether was added dropwise while stirring.

The temperature was maintained at -20 for /2 hour after the addition was completed, then the mixture Was allowed to warm to room temperature, and stand overnight under nitrogen. 'At this point the tertiary alcohol 4-phenyl-4-hydroxy-l,3-dimet1hylazacycloheptane pound IV), which may exist in two distereoisomeric forms, was present 'as its lithium salt.

The mixture was cooled to 0, and 0.35 mole ml.) of propionic anhydride in 1100 ml. of dry-toluene, containing 5 drops of 37 N sulfuric acid, was added dropwise while stirring. The temperature of the mixture Was gradually raised, .and about 7 5 ml. of ether distilled out as an equal volume of toluene was added dropwise. A temperature of 80 was then maintained for 2 hours.

The mixture was cooled to 0, and 200 ml. of '1 3 48% hydrobromic acid-water solution was added dropwise while stirring. A three phase system resulted, consisting of a toluene layer, an aqueous acid layer, and the precipitated hydrobromide of Compound V (which may exist in two distereoisomeric forms). After stirring for 15 minutes, the mixture was filtered, and the precipitate washed with ether, then cold water, and finally acetone. The crude and incompletely dried precipitate was dissolved in a methanol-methyl ethyl ketone solvent mixture and the solution concentrated to a small volume.

The hydrobromide, M. P. 201202 dec., of Compound V crystallized out. It was filtered off and washed with methyl ethyl ketone. Recrystallization from methanolacetone raised the melting point to 207-2075". The

solubility of the hydrobromide inwater at room tempera- The 'picrate, M. -P. 162-'l63, of "Compound "V was I (Com- 'solutionof "the hydrobromide in dilute acetic acid.

Analysis.-Calcd. 'for'czsHaaN-zost C, 54.70; H, 5.59; N, 11.10. Found: C, 54.46; H, 5.50; N, 11.04.

The base, B. P. 126 (0.3 min), 11 1.5182, was formed bytreating an aqueous suspension of the hydrobromide with sodium hydroxide, extracting with ether, drying, and vacuum distilling.

'Analysis.Calcd. for C17H25NO2: C, 74.15; H, 9.15; N, 5.09. Found: C, 73.83; H, 9.34; N, 5.17.

The hydrochloride, M. P. 207 dec., was formed by passing dry hydrogen chloride gas into a 1:2 methyl ethyl ketone-ether solution of the base.

Analysis.Calcd. for CrzHzsClNOz: C, 65.50; H, 8.41; N, 4.49;Cl, 11.37. Found: C, 65.80; H, 8.63; N, 4.57; Cl, 11.1.

Another method for making the hydrochloride salt which is of general application for making other salts of the azacycloalkane free bases is as follows:

0.1 mole of the base is dissolved in 10 cc. of absolute ethanol and 0.15 mole of ethanolic hydrochloric 'acid is added dropwise whilecooling. The excess hydrochloric acid and the ethanol are removed under reduced pressure at 3545. The residue is taken up in cc. of a 1:1 diisopropyl-ketone-anhydrous ether mixture, seeded, then allowed to stand :at +5 for 24 hours. The crystalline hydrochloride is filtered, washed with ether anddried over concentrated H2SO4-at25 and 0.2 mm. for 5 hours. The following salts may be prepared in the same manner, utilizing the corresponding acid and the same proportions of reactants and solvents: hydrobromide, hydroiodide, sulfate, acid sulfate, phosphate, maleate, malate, tartrate, citrate, succinate, acetate, propionate, acetyl salicylate, etc.

The azacycloalkane free bases may be used to prepare quaternary ammonium compounds having good wetting properties. To prepare such compounds, the free bases are reacted with a long-chain aliphatic halide having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms, such as lauryl bromide, the temperature of reaction ranging from about 50 to about C. Still another use of these alkylenimine compounds is in their ability to combine with penicillin to form salts therewith, this procedure being useful in purifying penicillin and even obtaining therapeutically valuablepenicillin salts. In addition, at least one series of azacycloalkanes formed, specifically acetoxy and propionoxy azacycloalkanes, have been found to have valuable pharmacological efiects,-notably an unexpectedly good analgesic action. The above uses apply equally to the free bases or their acid-addition salts.

The substituents on the aryl ring may be present during the arylation step -by' being a part of the arylating reactant or the selected substituent may be added after arylation of the azacycloalkane ring. Thus, where it is desired that the aryl radical include one or more hydroxy-substituents on the ring, the above described reactions should utilize corresponding alkoxy-substituted compounds as reactants. After the alkoxy-substituted aryl-cyano-azacycloalkane is formed, one may convert the alkoxy group to a hydroxy group by dissolving the nitrile in 48% hydrobromic acid, heating until evolution of alkyl bromide begins. The temperature is maintained until reaction is completed, after which the excess acid is pumped off. The residue is then esterified by addition of alcohol and sulfuric acid and heating torefluxing'overnight. The solution is then poured on ice and the sulfuric acid catalyst is removed by shakingwithexcess barium carbonate. The inorganic salts are filtered-0d and the filtrate is concentrated to dryness. The product may be recrystallized from alcohol.

The therapeutically useful compounds, more particularly those possessing analgesic action, may be utilized either 'orally, in suppository form or parenterally. For oral use, the -comp"oundsmay be combined in known manner in the' formof an elixir-or-other liquid 'form with excipients, such as suspending'and' fiavoringagents. They and the acid-addition salts thereof; wherein R1 and R4 each stand for lower alkyl and R2 and R3 each represent wherein R1, R2 and R4 each stand for a lower alkyl radical.

3. The compound having the formula wherein R1, R3 and R4. each stand for a lower alkyl radical.

4. The new compound, 4-acetoxy-4phenyl-l-metlhylvazacyclohepmane.

5. The new compound, methyl-azacycloheptane.

6. The new compound, 4-phenyl-4-propionoxy-1,3- dimethyl-azacycloheptane.

7. The process comprising heating an omega-haloalkanonitrile having the formula wherein n represents a whole number from 2 to 3 and X stands for a halogen or mhe group consisting of chlorine, bromine and iodine with a loweralkyl-3loweralkylamrinopropionalte having the formula R3 R2 R0o0-( 3H( 3H-NHR1 wherein R and R1 each represent lower lalkyls; while R2 and R3 each stand for a member :of the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl, in the presence of an acid binding agent at a temperature in the range of about to aboutt 150 C. to form an omega, omega-esternitrile compound, heating the latter at a temperature in the range of about to C. in the presence of an alkali-metal hydride catalyst, thereby forming a cyanoazacycloalkanone, decyanating said alkanone, reacting the decyanated compound with. a phenyl Grig-nard reagent to form a 4-lp henyl-4-hydroxy-N-loweralkylazacycloalkane and reacting :the latter compound with a lower alkyl acyloxylating agent to form a 4-phenyl-4- loweralkyl *acyloxy-N-loweralkykazacycloalkane.

4-acetoxy-4-phenyl-1,2-di- No references cited 

1. A COMPOUND OF THE GROUP CONSISTING OF 